At Home In Waterloo Region with Cheryl Goetz
Welcome to At Home In Waterloo Region, the podcast that shines a spotlight on the heart and soul of this incredible community — the people! Hosted by Cheryl Goetz, this show features inspiring locals and passionate business owners, sharing their stories, motivations and challenges. Whether you're a long-time resident, new to the area, or somewhere in between, join in and explore what makes Waterloo Region such a special place to live, work and grow.
Each episode dives into the journeys behind local businesses, from the moments of inspiration to the hurdles they've faced, and the joys of running a business in this vibrant region. Hear firsthand what makes these businesses unique, what they’re excited for in the future, and what keeps them grounded in the community.
Tune in for inspiring stories, practical insights, and a few laughs along the way — all from the people who make Waterloo Region a fantastic place to call home.
At Home In Waterloo Region with Cheryl Goetz
Meal in a Jar | Irene Divaris
In this episode of At Home in Waterloo Region, Cheryl Goetz sits down with Irene Divaris, founder of Meal in a Jar. From a successful career in the fitness industry to an unexpected journey into food entrepreneurship, Irene has built a business that focuses on nutritious, convenient meals with a sustainable approach. What started as a simple solution for her family quickly evolved into a thriving venture, capturing national attention on Dragon’s Den. Irene shares the lessons she’s learned along the way, the challenges of scaling a food business, and her passion for addressing food insecurity in local schools. This conversation is packed with insights on innovation, resilience, and community impact.
In This Episode You Will Hear:
- [02:07] Irene’s transition from the fitness industry to the accidental start of launching Meal in a Jar, and how the business quickly gained momentum.
- [08:49] Irene’s experience pitching on Dragon’s Den and how the opportunity unfolded.
- [15:15] How Meal in a Jar is tackling food insecurity by providing healthy school lunches.
- [19:48] The challenges of scaling a food business, from production to distribution.
- [31:33] Expanding product offerings and entering new markets while maintaining quality.
- [40:54] Irene’s vision for the future, including expanding the school lunch program and potential business growth.
Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, business operations, or food sustainability, there are plenty of insights to take away. You can also support the podcast by subscribing, leaving a review and sharing this episode with a friend so we can continue to grow our community in this beautiful region!
Irene’s Links
Use code ATHOMECO for 20% off your first Meal In A Jar order!
Website:https://mealinajar.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mealinajar
Let's Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/at.home.co
Website: www.athomecompany.ca
Email Community: https://athomeco.myflodesk.com/podcast
Contact: hello@athomecompany.ca
Thank you to our Sponsors:
• Amanda Walczyk, Mortgage Agent | Level 2 license at Dominion Lending Centres National Ltd, FSRA #12360
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltboxmortgage_agent
Contact: Amanda@saltboxmortgages.com
519.497.9256
• Den1880
Website: https://www.den1880.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/den1880.co
